Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
Kuhn has extended its range of independent disc stubble cultivators with the addition of the high capacity Optimer L Series.
Available in 9 and 12 metre working widths, Optimer L is designed for high quality shallow cultivation at operating speeds of 13 to 18 km/h. With a working depth range from 3 to 10cm, it is sufficiently versatile to fulfil a range of roles including enhanced crop residue management, stale seedbed creation and fine seedbed preparation.
The layout sees two rows of 510mm diameter discs operate set at 16˚ from horizontal and 6˚ from vertical for optimum tilth creation. Discs, available with small notches (for shallow cultivation) or large notches (for deeper soil penetration), are mounted individually on support arms, using four integral polyurethane elastomeric blocks to provide protection and depth control.
Each disc uses a single maintenance-free bearing, which combines with an underframe clearance of 55cm, to ensure a clear residue flow through the machine, prevents disruptions due to blockages.
Working depth is hydraulically assisted, allowing easy and accurate adjustment that, once set, is maintained across the full width of the machine via hydraulically controlled pressure in the extension cylinders – the Kuhn’s Steady Control system.
At the rear, the machine is fitted with the Double-U self-cleaning and anti-clogging roller, designed to provide optimum soil consolidation. By turning on the roller at the headlands, the machine maintains stability and minimises any risk of soil compaction in these areas.
For transport, machines fold to 3m width and 4m high, using a four-step process, activated by a mode switch on the in-cab control panel.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
Meat processor ANZCO Foods says despite a challenging business environment, it has posted a net profit before tax of $61 million for 2023.
The deer industry is working on getting more venison into Asia.
The red meat sector is welcoming the start of trade negotiations between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Meat processor Alliance Group's cash-strapped farmer shareholders face a dilemma - either pour more money into the co-operative or risk losing 100% ownership and control.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.